BORO must make every match a “Derby” game and scrap their way to survival.

Skipper Barry Robson believes the second half spirit shown in the basement battle with the Rams can carry patched up Boro to Championship safety.

He said: “We started slowly and in the first half we weren’t at our best and after what happened at Reading that was disappointing.

“But in the second half we showed real spirit and determination, we showed real character and we got about them, fought for every ball and we got the two goals.

“Maybe we got a break or two. It is nice that a deflected goal went our way for a change, but we deserved it. We worked hard for that bit of luck.

“Sometimes we haven’t done that enough this season, not played well but won. We need to be doing that more.

“Against Forest we dominated the match, we showed energy, passed the ball well and made loads of chances and ended up drawing 1-1.

“Against Derby we didn’t play so well but we fought for every ball, got a few breaks and won 2-1 and that shows you what happens in this league.

“But we need to keep on doing that, keep on battling, keep on showing spirit and keep working right to the end in every game so we can quickly collect some more points, finish the season strongly and be ready to have a real go next year.”

Robson added that Boro’s need for resolve and work-rate was increased because of their current injury woes.

Boss Tony Mowbray has a string of first teamers out injured and has been forced to field patched-up sides.

It is now 45 games since Boro fielded an unchanged side and the game against Derby saw loan keeper Paul Smith making his debut and Rhys Williams his first start this term to take the tally of players used to 38.

“It was all change again,” said Robson. “And that doesn’t help.

“Rhys came back and did well but he has hardly played. I’m the same, I think I’ve played six times in a few months and it takes you quite a few games to get up to full speed.

“And we’ve got Stephen McManus injured, Matthew Bates injured, Willo Flood injured, Kevin Thomson injured... it’s hard to get continuity in a team or play the way you want to play when have so many people out.

“But we have to show the character to get past that and keep on picking up points.”

Robson also wished Kris Boyd luck on his loan move to Forest.

“I’m sad to see Kris go,” said his former Old Firm adversary.

“He is a great player but for whatever reason it hasn’t worked out for him.

“I’ve seen him play in big games and score fantastic goals and we know he can do it but sometimes it just doesn’t work out for players at clubs, but that’s football.

“Then next time they move on and start banging goals in again and I’m sure Kris will do that down at Forest.”

FREE tickets are bring made available to all supporters aged under-18 for the Riverside clash with Watford on Saturday, March 19.

To qualify for free tickets youngsters must sign up to Generation RED through the designated website www.generationred.co.uk

Members can print off their personalised voucher from the website and visit a ticket office with an adult season card holder or full-paying adult. The offer is also open to all current members of Generation RED.

A maximum of two Generation RED free ticket vouchers can be produced for every adult season card holder or full-paying adult. Adults who are not season card holders must book a seat for up to two under-18s to qualify for a free ticket.

If required, ticket office staff will arrange for season card holders to move seats for the game to allow them to sit next to Generation RED members.